shatters
At a C2 level, 'shatters' implies a sudden, forceful, and complete disintegration, whether literal or figurative. It moves beyond simple breakage to suggest a loss of integrity, often with widespread impact. For instance, a glass shattering implies countless fragments, while a dream shattering denotes absolute destruction of hope. This verb powerfully conveys not just an end, but a violent and irreversible one, affecting multiple components or aspects simultaneously.
§ What does 'shatters' mean?
- DEFINITION
- To break suddenly and violently into many small pieces, or to cause something to do so. It is also used metaphorically to describe the complete destruction of abstract concepts like dreams, peace, or records.
The verb 'shatters' describes an action of breaking or being broken into many small pieces, often with considerable force or suddenness. Imagine a glass falling from a table; it doesn't just break, it 'shatters' into countless fragments. This word conveys a sense of thorough destruction and often implies a lack of control over the breaking process.
The vase fell and shatters into a thousand pieces.
Beyond its literal meaning, 'shatters' is frequently used metaphorically. In this context, it refers to the complete and often sudden destruction or ruination of abstract concepts. This makes the word very versatile and powerful in expressing intense emotional or conceptual impact.
§ When do people use 'shatters'?
People use 'shatters' in a variety of situations, both literally and figuratively. Here are some common contexts:
- Physical breakage: This is the most straightforward use. When objects made of fragile materials like glass, ceramic, or ice break apart violently, 'shatters' is the perfect word.
The icy pavement shatters under the weight of the heavy machinery.
- Destroying abstract concepts: This is where the metaphorical use comes in. 'Shatters' can describe the complete collapse of things that aren't physical.
- Dreams and Hopes: When someone's aspirations or expectations are completely crushed, 'shatters' effectively conveys the depth of disappointment.
The bad news shatters all her dreams of studying abroad.
- Peace and Silence: When a sudden, loud noise or event abruptly ends a period of tranquility, 'shatters' emphasizes the abrupt and disruptive nature of the change.
A loud clap of thunder shatters the stillness of the night.
- Records and Expectations: In sports or achievements, when a previous best is significantly surpassed, 'shatters' indicates a groundbreaking performance.
The athlete shatters the world record with an incredible run.
- Illusions or Beliefs: When a strong belief or a false perception is suddenly and completely disproven or destroyed, 'shatters' highlights the impact of this revelation.
The evidence presented in court shatters his alibi.
In summary, 'shatters' is a strong verb that denotes a forceful and complete breaking, whether of physical objects or abstract concepts. Its usage adds intensity and drama to descriptions, making it a valuable word for expressing profound impact or destruction. Understanding both its literal and metaphorical applications will help you use it effectively in various contexts.
Nível de dificuldade
The word itself is short, but understanding the metaphorical usage might require a slightly higher reading comprehension level.
Easy to spell, but using it correctly in both literal and metaphorical contexts can be tricky.
Pronunciation is straightforward. The challenge lies in appropriate usage in conversation.
Easy to distinguish, but interpreting metaphorical usage might require context.
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Pré-requisitos
Aprenda a seguir
Avançado
Gramática essencial
Subject-Verb Agreement: In the third-person singular present tense, verbs typically end in '-s' or '-es'. 'Shatters' follows this rule as it is the third-person singular present form of 'shatter'.
The glass shatters easily. (Correct: 'glass' is singular, 'shatters' is third-person singular present)
Transitive and Intransitive Verbs: 'Shatter' can be both transitive (requiring a direct object) and intransitive (not requiring a direct object). When used transitively, it means 'to cause to break'. When used intransitively, it means 'to break suddenly'.
Transitive: The boy shatters the window. (The window is the direct object). Intransitive: The window shatters. (No direct object).
Metaphorical Usage: The definition highlights its metaphorical use. This means the verb is used to describe abstract concepts breaking down, not literal physical objects. This is a common linguistic device.
Her dreams shattered after the bad news. (Dreams are not physical objects that can literally break).
Passive Voice: 'Shatter' can be used in the passive voice, especially when the agent causing the shattering is unknown or less important than the object being shattered.
The vase was shattered by the fall. (Focus is on the vase, not necessarily who or what caused the fall).
Use with Adverbs: 'Shatter' is often modified by adverbs that describe the manner or extent of the breaking, such as 'suddenly', 'completely', 'violently', or 'easily'.
The silence was suddenly shattered by a loud crash. ( 'suddenly' describes how the shattering occurred).
Exemplos por nível
The glass shatters easily if you drop it.
El vaso se rompe fácilmente si lo dejas caer.
Here 'shatters' is used to describe a physical object breaking.
His dreams of becoming a doctor shattered when he failed the final exam.
Sus sueños de ser médico se hicieron añicos cuando reprobó el examen final.
This is a metaphorical use of 'shatters' for abstract concepts.
The sound of thunder shatters the silence of the night.
El sonido del trueno rompe el silencio de la noche.
'Shatters' here means to violently interrupt.
The news of her departure shattered his heart.
La noticia de su partida destrozó su corazón.
Another metaphorical use, indicating emotional destruction.
The old vase shattered into a thousand pieces when it hit the floor.
El jarrón viejo se hizo añicos en mil pedazos cuando cayó al suelo.
Emphasizes the completeness of the breaking.
The strong winds shattered the windowpanes.
Los fuertes vientos rompieron los cristales de las ventanas.
Shows an external force causing the shattering.
Her confidence shatters whenever she has to speak in public.
Su confianza se desmorona cada vez que tiene que hablar en público.
Metaphorical use for a decrease in an abstract quality.
The scandal shattered the politician's reputation.
El escándalo destrozó la reputación del político.
Metaphorical use indicating complete destruction of reputation.
Expressões idiomáticas
"shatter someone's illusions"
To destroy someone's false beliefs or hopes.
The harsh reality of the job market quickly shattered her illusions about an easy career.
neutral"shatter the peace/quiet"
To suddenly and loudly interrupt a period of calm.
The sudden explosion shattered the peace of the quiet afternoon.
neutral"shatter a record"
To break a previous best achievement by a large margin.
The athlete shattered the world record for the 100-meter sprint.
neutral"shatter someone's confidence"
To completely destroy someone's self-assurance or belief in their own abilities.
A series of failures can easily shatter an aspiring artist's confidence.
neutral"shatter someone's world"
To cause a devastating and life-changing event for someone.
The news of her father's passing shattered her world.
neutral"shatter the glass ceiling"
To break through an invisible barrier that prevents women or minorities from reaching top positions.
She became the first female CEO, effectively shattering the glass ceiling in her industry.
neutral"shatter into a million pieces"
To break completely and thoroughly into many fragments, often used metaphorically for emotions or hopes.
When he left her, her heart shattered into a million pieces.
informal"shatter someone's dreams"
To destroy someone's aspirations or hopes for the future.
The economic downturn shattered the dreams of many small business owners.
neutral"shatter the silence"
To suddenly make a loud noise and end a period of quiet.
A piercing scream shattered the eerie silence of the abandoned house.
neutral"shatter the stereotype"
To prove a widely held but often inaccurate belief about a group of people wrong.
Her groundbreaking research shattered the stereotype that women are not good at science.
neutralFamília de palavras
Substantivos
Verbos
Adjetivos
Teste-se 60 perguntas
Listen for how the glass breaks.
What happened to her dream?
How did the quiet end?
Read this aloud:
The window shattered into many small pieces.
Focus: shattered
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Read this aloud:
His hopes shattered when he didn't get the job.
Focus: hopes shattered
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
A loud clap of thunder shatters the silence.
Focus: shatters
Você disse:
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Complete the sentence: When my phone fell, the screen ______ into many pieces.
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Sample answer
When my phone fell, the screen shattered into many pieces.
Write a sentence using the word 'shatters' to describe something breaking.
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Sample answer
The ball shatters the window.
Imagine you dropped a glass. What happened to it? Use the word 'shatters' in your answer.
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Sample answer
I dropped the glass and it shatters on the floor.
What happened to the vase?
Read this passage:
My little brother was playing with his toy car. He pushed it too hard, and it hit a glass vase. The vase shatters into many small pieces. He was very sad.
What happened to the vase?
The passage says 'The vase shatters into many small pieces', which means it broke.
The passage says 'The vase shatters into many small pieces', which means it broke.
What does it mean that Sarah's dream 'shatters'?
Read this passage:
Sarah had a dream of becoming a famous singer. But when she didn't get into the music school, her dream shatters. She felt very disappointed.
What does it mean that Sarah's dream 'shatters'?
The word 'shatters' used metaphorically means complete destruction, so her dream was destroyed.
The word 'shatters' used metaphorically means complete destruction, so her dream was destroyed.
Why did the window shatter?
Read this passage:
The old window was very weak. A strong wind blew, and the window shatters. Now there is a big hole in the wall.
Why did the window shatter?
The passage states, 'A strong wind blew, and the window shatters.'
The passage states, 'A strong wind blew, and the window shatters.'
The news of her success __________ all his hopes of winning.
To 'shatter' hopes means to completely destroy them. The other options do not fit the context of destroying hopes.
If you drop that glass, it will surely __________ into a thousand pieces.
When glass breaks violently into many small pieces, the correct verb is 'shatter'.
The sudden noise caused the delicate vase to __________ on the floor.
A delicate vase would 'shatter' if it fell and broke into many pieces. The other options are not appropriate.
When a window shatters, it usually breaks into very large, neat pieces.
When something shatters, it breaks into many small, often irregular pieces, not large, neat ones.
The word 'shatters' can be used to describe the complete destruction of someone's dreams.
'Shatters' is often used metaphorically to describe the complete destruction of abstract concepts like dreams.
If you shatter a record, it means you have failed to beat it.
To 'shatter a record' means to break it by achieving something significantly better or faster, not to fail.
Think about fragile objects.
Consider the metaphorical use of the word.
What broke the quiet?
Read this aloud:
The vase shattered into a thousand pieces when it hit the floor.
Focus: shatters
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
His confidence shatters every time he makes a mistake.
Focus: shatters, mistake
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
News of the scandal shattered the community's trust in the politician.
Focus: shattered, scandal
Você disse:
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The sudden loud noise caused the delicate glass vase to ___ into a thousand pieces.
The context implies a violent breaking, which 'shatters' accurately describes.
Her confidence ___ when she realized she had forgotten all her lines during the play.
'Shatters' is used metaphorically here to describe the complete destruction of her confidence.
The news of the scandal ___ the politician's reputation beyond repair.
The scandal would completely destroy the politician's reputation, making 'shatters' the appropriate word.
The strong winds during the hurricane threatened to ___ the windows of the old building.
Strong winds would violently break the windows, so 'shatters' fits the context.
After the team's defeat, their hopes for winning the championship were completely ___.
The defeat would completely destroy their hopes, making 'shatters' the correct metaphorical usage.
The unexpected revelation ___ the family's peaceful existence, causing much distress.
An unexpected revelation would violently disrupt and destroy their peaceful existence, so 'shatters' is appropriate.
The news of her promotion ______ all her doubts about her career path.
To 'shatter' doubts means to completely destroy them, fitting the metaphorical use of the word.
When the vase fell, it ______ into a thousand pieces.
The word 'shattered' perfectly describes something breaking violently into many small pieces.
The unexpected defeat ______ the team's hopes of winning the championship.
To 'shatter hopes' means to completely destroy them, which aligns with the metaphorical use of the word.
If a record 'shatters', it means someone has broken a previous best performance.
In this context, 'shatters a record' is a common idiom meaning to break a previous record by a significant margin.
When a window 'shatters', it usually breaks into a few large pieces.
The definition of 'shatters' implies breaking into 'many small pieces', not a few large ones.
The phrase 'shatter someone's peace' means to bring them a sense of calm.
To 'shatter someone's peace' means to completely destroy their peaceful state, making them feel disturbed or upset.
Imagine a moment when something you deeply cherished was suddenly destroyed or broken. Describe the event and your emotional reaction using the word "shatters."
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Sample answer
The news that my grandmother's antique vase, a family heirloom, had accidentally fallen and shattered into countless pieces, shattered my heart. I felt a profound sense of loss, not just for the object itself, but for the memories it held.
Write a short paragraph about how a sudden piece of bad news could metaphorically "shatter" someone's peace of mind or their plans. Be specific about the impact.
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Sample answer
The unexpected rejection from her dream university shattered Emily's meticulously laid out plans for the future. Her peace of mind was instantly broken, replaced by a wave of disappointment and uncertainty about what her next steps would be.
Describe a scenario where a scientific theory or a long-held belief is "shattered" by new evidence or a discovery. Explain the significance of this event.
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Sample answer
For centuries, the geocentric model of the universe was a deeply ingrained belief, but Galileo's observations through his telescope ultimately shattered this long-held theory. His findings provided irrefutable evidence that the Earth revolved around the sun, fundamentally changing our understanding of the cosmos.
What caused the goblet to shatter?
Read this passage:
The ancient glass goblet, a relic from a forgotten empire, sat precariously on the edge of the display shelf. A sudden tremor shook the museum, causing the priceless artifact to topple. It hit the marble floor with a sickening crunch, and the sound echoed through the silent hall as the goblet shattered into a thousand glittering fragments. The curator, witnessing the disaster, felt her own composure shatter at the sight of the irreparable damage.
What caused the goblet to shatter?
The passage explicitly states, 'A sudden tremor shook the museum, causing the priceless artifact to topple.'
The passage explicitly states, 'A sudden tremor shook the museum, causing the priceless artifact to topple.'
What is the metaphorical meaning of 'shattered' in this passage?
Read this passage:
After months of rigorous training, Sarah was poised to break the national swimming record. Her dedication was unmatched, and her performance in the heats was phenomenal. However, a last-minute injury, a pulled hamstring, meant she couldn't compete in the final. Her dream of setting a new record was shattered, and with it, her hopes for a medal.
What is the metaphorical meaning of 'shattered' in this passage?
The passage states, 'Her dream of setting a new record was shattered, and with it, her hopes for a medal,' indicating the complete destruction of her aspirations, not a literal breaking.
The passage states, 'Her dream of setting a new record was shattered, and with it, her hopes for a medal,' indicating the complete destruction of her aspirations, not a literal breaking.
What does the phrase 'the fragile peace shattered' imply?
Read this passage:
The fragile peace between the two warring nations was always on the brink. A single provocative act, a border skirmish in the contested territory, was all it took. The incident, though minor in isolation, amplified existing tensions, and the fragile peace shattered, plunging the region back into conflict. Diplomats worked frantically to repair the damage, but the trust built over years had evaporated.
What does the phrase 'the fragile peace shattered' imply?
The passage describes the peace as 'fragile' and states it 'shattered' after a provocative act, leading to the region plunging 'back into conflict,' which implies a complete and sudden end to the peace.
The passage describes the peace as 'fragile' and states it 'shattered' after a provocative act, leading to the region plunging 'back into conflict,' which implies a complete and sudden end to the peace.
The unexpected news of the company's bankruptcy completely _______ her hopes for a promotion, leaving her feeling utterly demoralized.
To 'shatter' hopes means to destroy them completely. 'Fortified,' 'bolstered,' and 'consolidated' all suggest strengthening or maintaining, which is the opposite of the intended meaning.
During the intense earthquake, the antique vase, a cherished family heirloom, _______ into a thousand irreparable fragments.
The context of an earthquake and an antique vase breaking into 'irreparable fragments' strongly implies a sudden and violent breaking, which is accurately described by 'shattered.' The other options are antonyms or unrelated actions.
The athlete's record-breaking performance _______ all previous expectations, setting a new benchmark for future competitors.
To 'shatter' expectations or records means to break them significantly and surpass them. The other options imply maintaining or strengthening, which contradicts the idea of a 'record-breaking performance.'
The sudden financial downturn threatens to _______ the fragile peace that has only recently been established in the region.
A 'fragile peace' can be easily destroyed, and 'shatter' accurately conveys this sense of complete destruction of an abstract concept. The other options imply strengthening or maintaining.
The profound betrayal by her closest friend completely _______ her trust in others, leaving her guarded and cynical.
A 'profound betrayal' would utterly destroy trust, which is precisely what 'shattered' implies. The other options suggest the opposite effect.
The scientist's groundbreaking discovery _______ long-held theories about the universe, forcing a complete re-evaluation of established knowledge.
A 'groundbreaking discovery' that forces a 'complete re-evaluation' would necessarily destroy or fundamentally break 'long-held theories.' 'Shattered' effectively communicates this radical dismantling. The other options imply agreement or strengthening.
The unexpected news of her promotion ______ her preconceived notions about career progression.
The word 'shattered' is used metaphorically here to indicate that her prior beliefs were completely broken or destroyed by the new information, which is a C1-level understanding of the word's nuanced meaning.
After the scandalous revelation, the politician's reputation was irrevocably ______.
Here, 'shattered' implies the complete and irreparable destruction of the politician's reputation, aligning with the C1 understanding of the word's metaphorical usage.
The sudden economic downturn ______ the hopes of many aspiring entrepreneurs.
The phrase 'shattered the hopes' effectively conveys the complete destruction of those hopes, demonstrating a C1 grasp of the word's application in abstract contexts.
If a glass vase 'shatters,' it means it has gently cracked into a few large pieces.
To 'shatter' means to break suddenly and violently into many small pieces, not gently crack into a few large ones. This distinguishes the strong, destructive meaning at a C1 level.
When a dream 'shatters,' it implies that the dream has been fully realized and fulfilled.
To say a dream 'shatters' means it has been completely destroyed or ended, not realized. This metaphorical usage is key for C1 comprehension.
A record that 'shatters' can refer to a significant achievement that surpasses all previous benchmarks.
In this context, 'shatters a record' means to break it definitively and often dramatically, indicating a new, higher benchmark. This is a common metaphorical use of 'shatters' at the C1 level.
Describe a moment when your expectations for an event were completely shattered. How did this impact your feelings and subsequent actions? Use vivid language to convey the emotional intensity of the experience.
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Sample answer
The moment I received the rejection letter for my dream university, my carefully constructed future plans shattered into a million pieces. The initial shock gave way to a profound sense of disappointment, leaving me adrift in a sea of uncertainty. I felt a stinging defeat, a raw wound to my ambition. For days, I retreated into myself, replaying every step of the application process, searching for an error, a missed opportunity. This unexpected turn forced me to re-evaluate my priorities and ultimately led me down a different, yet equally rewarding, path.
Imagine a scenario where a long-held belief or societal norm is suddenly and irrevocably shattered by a groundbreaking discovery or event. Discuss the potential ripple effects on society, culture, and individual perspectives.
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Sample answer
If humanity were to discover irrefutable evidence of intelligent extraterrestrial life, the impact would be profound enough to shatter many of our deeply ingrained societal norms and beliefs. The concept of human uniqueness, long a cornerstone of our philosophy, would be irrevocably altered. Religious doctrines might face unprecedented scrutiny, while scientific understanding would be forced to expand exponentially. Culturally, the arts would undoubtedly explore themes of cosmic connection and existential re-evaluation. Individually, people might grapple with feelings ranging from awe and wonder to fear and insignificance, leading to a massive paradigm shift in our collective consciousness.
Write a short narrative (approximately 150-200 words) where a seemingly unbreakable object or a person's resolve is dramatically shattered. Focus on the events leading up to the shattering and the immediate aftermath.
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Sample answer
The ancient vase, a family heirloom passed down through generations, had withstood countless moves and clumsy hands. Its resilience was legendary, a symbol of their enduring legacy. But then came the tremor, a deep rumble that shook the very foundations of the old house. Sarah watched in slow motion as a precarious shelf above the mantelpiece swayed, and then, with an agonizing crack, the vase toppled. It didn't just break; it shattered, fragments exploding across the hearth like crystalline shrapnel. The sound echoed through the stunned silence, a mournful chime that seemed to shatter something within Sarah too – the comforting illusion of permanence, replaced by the stark reality of fragility.
What is the primary reason for the CEO's downfall?
Read this passage:
The CEO's carefully constructed narrative of success began to shatter under the relentless scrutiny of investigative journalists. Each new revelation, a fractured piece of the truth, chipped away at his once-impeccable reputation. What started as whispers of impropriety soon escalated into a public outcry, and the company's stock plummeted as investor confidence completely shattered. The ensuing scandal was a catastrophic blow, proving that even the most robust facades can be irrevocably broken.
What is the primary reason for the CEO's downfall?
The passage explicitly states, 'The CEO's carefully constructed narrative of success began to shatter under the relentless scrutiny of investigative journalists. Each new revelation, a fractured piece of the truth, chipped away at his once-impeccable reputation.' This indicates that the journalistic investigations were the primary cause of his downfall.
The passage explicitly states, 'The CEO's carefully constructed narrative of success began to shatter under the relentless scrutiny of investigative journalists. Each new revelation, a fractured piece of the truth, chipped away at his once-impeccable reputation.' This indicates that the journalistic investigations were the primary cause of his downfall.
What is the main consequence of the glacier's disintegration?
Read this passage:
The ancient glacier, once a formidable and seemingly eternal sentinel of the polar regions, is now retreating at an alarming rate. Scientists report that the cumulative effect of rising global temperatures is causing its structure to shatter into smaller icebergs with unprecedented frequency. This rapid disintegration not only threatens sea levels but also shatters the delicate ecological balance of the Arctic, leading to a cascade of environmental consequences that will resonate globally.
What is the main consequence of the glacier's disintegration?
The passage states, 'This rapid disintegration not only threatens sea levels but also shatters the delicate ecological balance of the Arctic, leading to a cascade of environmental consequences.' This clearly indicates that rising sea levels and disruption to Arctic ecosystems are the main consequences.
The passage states, 'This rapid disintegration not only threatens sea levels but also shatters the delicate ecological balance of the Arctic, leading to a cascade of environmental consequences.' This clearly indicates that rising sea levels and disruption to Arctic ecosystems are the main consequences.
What ultimately led to the undoing of the prosecutor's case?
Read this passage:
In a climactic courtroom scene, the prosecutor's meticulously built case began to shatter under the weight of an unexpected witness testimony. The defense attorney, seizing the opportunity, delivered a powerful cross-examination that revealed inconsistencies and glaring holes in the prosecution's narrative. By the time the jury retired to deliberate, it was clear that the credibility of the state's argument had been irreparably shattered, paving the way for an acquittal.
What ultimately led to the undoing of the prosecutor's case?
The passage explicitly states, 'the prosecutor's meticulously built case began to shatter under the weight of an unexpected witness testimony.' This indicates that the unexpected witness was the key factor in the case's collapse.
The passage explicitly states, 'the prosecutor's meticulously built case began to shatter under the weight of an unexpected witness testimony.' This indicates that the unexpected witness was the key factor in the case's collapse.
/ 60 correct
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